The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a systematic excavation at the ancient site of Kumarikkalpalayam in Uthukuli taluk of Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, a location identified as a significant Iron Age and Early Historical settlement.
According to officials, the first season of excavation began in February 2026 and is currently in progress. The initiative follows an archaeological exploration carried out in 2023 by the ASI’s Trichy Circle, which had revealed cultural materials dating back to the Iron Age and Early Historical periods, prompting a full-scale excavation.
A press note from the ASI stated that the excavation was undertaken following a reference from Tiruppur MP K. Subbarayan. The site, located in Kaavunthampalayam village about 15 km north of Uthukuli and 26 km northeast of Tiruppur, lies within agricultural fields roughly 0.5 km from the present habitation and represents an extensive early settlement complex.
Archaeologists have identified two major components at the site, a habitation mound and an adjoining megalithic burial complex, suggesting the presence of a well-established settlement with associated funerary practices.
Preliminary findings from the mound, characterised by prominent ashy soil deposits, have yielded a rich ceramic assemblage including red ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, russet-coated ware with decorative motifs, and brown-slipped ware. The recovery of melted iron ore and slag indicates active iron smelting and sustained occupation during the Iron Age and Early Historical phases.
Officials noted that the site gains added significance due to its proximity to Kodumanal, an important early historic industrial and trade centre, raising the possibility of cultural and commercial linkages in the Kongu region.
ASI Superintending Archaeologist P. Aravazhi indicated that the excavation could potentially uncover further evidence relating to the Megalithic and historic periods and may even yield clues pointing to Roman trade connections in the region. ASI Joint Director General Nandini Bhattacharya Sahu said the initial phase would involve digging trenches to establish the chronological framework of the artefacts, which is a key objective of the project.
The excavation, which is expected to continue until July 2026, also follows sustained demands from local residents to protect the ancient site. Villagers had earlier urged authorities to declare the area protected after discoveries of stone circles, burial urns and pottery fragments in the vicinity.
Members of the Kumarikkal Archaeological Protection Movement, a residents’ group formed to safeguard the site, welcomed the development, describing the commencement of excavation as the outcome of years of persistent efforts.
Archaeologists believe the ongoing work could provide important insights into the cultural sequence, settlement patterns and burial practices of Iron Age and Early Historical communities in western Tamil Nadu.
A systematic archaeological excavation has begun at Kumarikkalpalayam in Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu – a site identified as a significant Iron Age and Early Historical site. The excavation commenced in February 2026 and is presently in progress.
This… pic.twitter.com/JKbc4mFc6j
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) February 28, 2026
Source: Times of India
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